12 games review

[Sir Rebel1965]

The performance from the start of the season was absolutely disgraceful! -5 points from 8 games is relegation form - Just 0.625 points per game – awful.

 

And fans would be rightful to be asking serious questions of the management and players.

 

However, the next four games we get 10 points from 4 games – 2.5 points per game (promotion form)

 

So now after 12 games it is 15 points on the board – 1.25 points per game. At 1.25 points per game, it puts us 12th in this league allowing for games played.

 

So where are the team? – played 8 games with relegation form, then 4 with promotion form, but overall mid-table mediocracy.

There are now 28 games of the season to play, plenty of time to recover into play off position, or time to become complacent and slip down the table.

 

From previous seasons there has been a slow start and then recovery – but why do we always end up having to chase the other teams who did not sabotage their seasons with a poor first 8 games?

 

I know we do not have the finances of some of the professional teams in this league, and money does not guarantee a top 4 place.

 

So what level should the Slough fans expect from the team?

 

I think they should at least expect to see a competitive performance in most games, and there will be mistakes, but also at this level the opposition will make mistakes and we need to capitalise on them.

 

Yesterdays game against Maidstone (professional – for this league) proved we can play with the big boys, however after Warren’s goal I was waiting for our slip-up which has happened too many times this year. Fortunately, it did not happen and it may be showing that the concentration levels are better and this season’s team are gelling and the team dynamics are now in place to move forward.

 

There is one aspect of the team I am unsure about and it is the inclusion of the U23 players. We should definitely be developing and bringing though younger players as they are the Lloyd Owusu’s of the future – local lads playing for the Town. However, putting them into a team against some of

the teams/players we come up against may be too big a step up for them, but they have to take that step up at some point.

So, is this a season to be pushing for promotion against all the teams of big time Charlie’s with their dyed hair chairmen throwing silly money around, or should we be using this as a year for consolidation and building ready for when the leagues are restructured next season?

 

Personally, I would love to see us go up, but I am concerned that we do not yet have the finances to back that up, and going out of the FA cup first game did not put the funds required into the bank to support that desire. So, I think this is a building and consolidation season, where patience is required.

[3spirit]

SR1965, what answer do you seek from this post? I'm confused with the point you are trying to make.

Most supporters get an inkling as to where their team is heading but not one of us can predict what will happen through a season, as it's dependent on all sorts of things.

Following on from coronavirus and our club being prudent with their funds, I feel Bakes and Unders[and Trent] know where they are at. To me, Slough look like a side in the rebuilding stage and appear to be using their experienced players wisely, and look like they are developing younger players to play at our current level to put the team on a firmer footing for the future .

So what is so wrong with that?      

In this process, results will be up and down. For me that's to be expected but nothing to worry about. I'm pleased our managers have the foresight to do this. It will pay in the long run.

[Sir Rebel1965]

Read the title and work it out.

 

As I stated after 8 games it was too early to measure, and as I have been proven waiting till 12 games to review the performance was far more accurate.

 

As for the future is unknown, then that is speculation.

 

But unless you plan then you dont have a target to work to - and yes plans do change - i.e. no FA cup money.

[GlenSTFC]

I think any talk of promotion in the short term is massively unrealistic. Attendances are our biggest source of income and currently that’s way down on last season. I wouldn’t have thought sponsorship/advertising brings in that much so until we start averaging 1,000 at home the finances just aren’t there to produce a promotion capable squad. Obviously miracles can happen but how would we survive in a mostly professional league? 

[sdelaney]

It looks like a new lease of life for Bakes@Unders who are both relishing moulding the inexperienced who are showing there talent with confidence growing in every game with the experienced players together building a new team for the future and they all look up for it.

COYREBELS 

[3spirit]

1 hour ago, GlenSTFC said:

I think any talk of promotion in the short term is massively unrealistic. Attendances are our biggest source of income and currently that’s way down on last season. I wouldn’t have thought sponsorship/advertising brings in that much so until we start averaging 1,000 at home the finances just aren’t there to produce a promotion capable squad. Obviously miracles can happen but how would we survive in a mostly professional league? 

Totally agree, GlenSTFC.

Yes, the dream is to make it back playing in non-league's top division[and possibly beyond] but right now that's pie in the sky IMO. However,before the pandemic, we saw how close our managers got to making the dream reality. I believe our team that season over achieved, and perhaps this heady happening has led to fans being ultra optimistic and having illusions of grandeur. 

Being a realist, I think our team has to go slightly backwards, to then re-group to go forwards,as our managers and board of directors are doing.

I'm grateful we've still got a club ! 

Why SR1965 feels the club/team need a review after just 12 games of a season is beyond me but I'm pleased he felt obliged to post on the forum, as it gives us all another subject to discuss on this platform.?

 

[Reading Rebel]

1 hour ago, GlenSTFC said:

I think any talk of promotion in the short term is massively unrealistic. Attendances are our biggest source of income and currently that’s way down on last season. I wouldn’t have thought sponsorship/advertising brings in that much so until we start averaging 1,000 at home the finances just aren’t there to produce a promotion capable squad. Obviously miracles can happen but how would we survive in a mostly professional league? 

For us to have any chance of averaging 1,000+ at home we'd need a team that was playing great football, sitting at the top of the league heading for promotion.

Having money would obviously help but teams with smaller attendances with similar limited finances to us make the play-offs with a shot at promotion so it's not an impossibility.

As for surviving in the National League, it would certainly be tough and without a rich benefactor we would almost certainly be in the bottom section where most of the part time teams tend to find themselves. 

That said, I think it would still be a great experience and challenge for the club and supporters and as long as we were sensible and didn't spend beyond our means I think the positives outweigh any negatives.

[Sir Rebel1965]

21 hours ago, 3spirit said:

 

Why SR1965 feels the club/team need a review after just 12 games of a season is beyond me but I'm pleased he felt obliged to post on the forum, as it gives us all another subject to discuss on this platform.?

 

Well as I stated on the 17th October after the Billericay defeat when you and most other posters on here were going into mad blind panic that there were only 5 points from 8 games, I rightly stated “No comment now but I will give my full opinion after 12 league games.” And true to my word I did, and look how things are now different!

[Bernie Gogan]

Our luck has changed around as it does for all clubs. We didn't deserve to lose any games barring at Dartford and home to Ebbsfleet. In the latter we could have eeked a draw without a bad penalty decision. However, I'm sure Welling, Chelmsford, Maidstone & Havant would have a different take on their results against us!

[3spirit]

On 08/11/2021 at 10:26, Sir Rebel1965 said:

Well as I stated on the 17th October after the Billericay defeat when you and most other posters on here were going into mad blind panic that there were only 5 points from 8 games, I rightly stated “No comment now but I will give my full opinion after 12 league games.” And true to my word I did, and look how things are now different!

SR1965,it wasn't me going into a blind panic about 5 points from 8 games, as I've had/have bigger issues in my life to contend with.

I still can't see the relevance whether it's 8 games,12 games or half a season,when any regular fan knows how the club/staff/squad is running this season. What's the point about going on about promotion,when in all likelihood it's not going to happen,given all the factors?

 

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

On 07/11/2021 at 10:15, Sir Rebel1965 said:

The performance from the start of the season was absolutely disgraceful! -5 points from 8 games is relegation form - Just 0.625 points per game – awful.

 

And fans would be rightful to be asking serious questions of the management and players.

 

However, the next four games we get 10 points from 4 games – 2.5 points per game (promotion form)

 

So now after 12 games it is 15 points on the board – 1.25 points per game. At 1.25 points per game, it puts us 12th in this league allowing for games played.

 

So where are the team? – played 8 games with relegation form, then 4 with promotion form, but overall mid-table mediocracy.

There are now 28 games of the season to play, plenty of time to recover into play off position, or time to become complacent and slip down the table.

 

From previous seasons there has been a slow start and then recovery – but why do we always end up having to chase the other teams who did not sabotage their seasons with a poor first 8 games?

 

I know we do not have the finances of some of the professional teams in this league, and money does not guarantee a top 4 place.

 

So what level should the Slough fans expect from the team?

 

I think they should at least expect to see a competitive performance in most games, and there will be mistakes, but also at this level the opposition will make mistakes and we need to capitalise on them.

 

Yesterdays game against Maidstone (professional – for this league) proved we can play with the big boys, however after Warren’s goal I was waiting for our slip-up which has happened too many times this year. Fortunately, it did not happen and it may be showing that the concentration levels are better and this season’s team are gelling and the team dynamics are now in place to move forward.

 

There is one aspect of the team I am unsure about and it is the inclusion of the U23 players. We should definitely be developing and bringing though younger players as they are the Lloyd Owusu’s of the future – local lads playing for the Town. However, putting them into a team against some of

the teams/players we come up against may be too big a step up for them, but they have to take that step up at some point.

So, is this a season to be pushing for promotion against all the teams of big time Charlie’s with their dyed hair chairmen throwing silly money around, or should we be using this as a year for consolidation and building ready for when the leagues are restructured next season?

 

Personally, I would love to see us go up, but I am concerned that we do not yet have the finances to back that up, and going out of the FA cup first game did not put the funds required into the bank to support that desire. So, I think this is a building and consolidation season, where patience is required.

Bit harsh the way it's written I have to say!

[REBEL MATTERS]

The performance from the start of the season was absolutely disgraceful! -5 points from 8 games is relegation form - Just 0.625 points per game – awful.

And fans would be rightful to be asking serious questions of the management and players.

Disgraceful = a bit of a strong over reaction comment imo. Some people have short memories of what the management have done for our club over the years. No one in their right mind would ask 'serious questions' about the current gaffers. If I was manager reading this, I'd call you an ungrateful so and so.

I would say the ramifications after COVID etc.... staying in this league this season is the main priority. Going down would set us as a club back.

On the flip side, I think going up to National League next season would not be great for the club (as fans we all want it, don't get me wrong) but as someone said, we are rebuilding again and with well documented finances etc... we are just not in position to 'play with the big, big boys' just yet.

[Reading Rebel]

1 hour ago, REBEL MATTERS said:

The performance from the start of the season was absolutely disgraceful! -5 points from 8 games is relegation form - Just 0.625 points per game – awful.

And fans would be rightful to be asking serious questions of the management and players.

Disgraceful = a bit of a strong over reaction comment imo. Some people have short memories of what the management have done for our club over the years. No one in their right mind would ask 'serious questions' about the current gaffers. If I was manager reading this, I'd call you an ungrateful so and so.

I would say the ramifications after COVID etc.... staying in this league this season is the main priority. Going down would set us as a club back.

On the flip side, I think going up to National League next season would not be great for the club (as fans we all want it, don't get me wrong) but as someone said, we are rebuilding again and with well documented finances etc... we are just not in position to 'play with the big, big boys' just yet.

Agree with most of what you say RM but when it comes to promotion some supporters say things like 'we are rebuilding' 'we are not ready for it yet' etc.

We are a stable well run club so what would have to happen for us as a club to be ready for promotion? 

[Shredding Green]

18 hours ago, 3spirit said:

SR1965, it wasn't me going into a blind panic about 5 points from 8 games, as I've had/have bigger issues in my life to contend with.

I still can't see the relevance whether it's 8 games, 12 games or half a season, when any regular fan knows how the club/staff/squad is running this season. What's the point about going on about promotion, when in all likelihood it's not going to happen, given all the factors?

 

Saturday 21st August 2021 : Dartford  3 Slough Town 0

Saturday 30th April 2022 : Slough Town v Dartford

Not a match to be missed in my opinion. There will most likely be either one or two teams playing for a play-off spot and the gate could well be into four figures.

We now have a Bakes and Unders team playing like a Bakes and Unders team. I wouldn't think of describing the Bakes and Unders team at the start of the season as "absolutely disgraceful" or "awful". The football was not flowing, there were too many mistakes and long balls, crosses, corners and free kicks were often not of the right length. I have always been confident of the combined efforts of the board and the joint managers again achieving a Bakes and Unders team playing flowing, accurate football and winning close matches through match management.

I don't think that the club has changed it's five year plan for the period of the 2019/20 to 2023/4 seasons. It has just been through a difficult patch on that journey. 

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

2 hours ago, Reading Rebel said:

Agree with most of what you say RM but when it comes to promotion some supporters say things like 'we are rebuilding' 'we are not ready for it yet' etc.

We are a stable well run club so what would have to happen for us as a club to be ready for promotion? 

We may be stable and well run BUT if we did get promoted we wouldn’t have the resources to survive and it could set the club back years. Trust the process I say, 1 day we’ll be ready but not yet! It is well documented with our budget that we are punching above our weight and this is because our managers know how to manage at this level AND know how to assemble a team to compete.

To be ready for promotion? We have to continue to build or get further financial backing but be careful what you wish for, living beyond our means could result in us back 2 divisions below. Steve Easterbrook always said once back in the Town we would have the resources to become an established National League South Club, to my knowledge nothing has happened to improve this position, if anything it’s got worse due to Covid and this season is about competing and staying out of a dog fight.